Run Flat Tires

WHAT ARE RUN-FLAT TIRES?
Run-flat tires are tires on which you can continue driving after a puncture so you can take time get to an auto shop or find a safe, level area to change your tire.

You can’t drive on them indefinitely, though. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to find out how fast and how far you can drive on your run flat tires. Bridgestone run-flat tires will allow continued operation even after a loss of some or all inflation pressure for up to 50 miles (80 km) at a maximum speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h.)

The space between your tires and the road can be a precarious place. Just one stray nail or screw can cause a flat tire and send you to the side of the road. With regular tires, a puncture generally means you lose steering control. The flat tire often happens at the most inopportune time or place. It also puts you in added danger while changing the tire on the roadside.

Run-flat tires for safer driving

Run-flat tires are specifically designed to minimize the inconvenience and danger caused by damage or punctures due to their reinforced structure.

Why are Tires Black?

With Run-flat tires, should a puncture occur, the driver can safely continue their journey at a reduced speed until there is a safe place to fix the tire.

In this article, we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about Run-flat tires, including what they are and how they work. So, check out our complete guide below.

What are run-flat tires?

RFT for vehicles are designed to withstand the effects of puncture or loss in air pressure and allow the car to continue to drive at low speed. That means, in the event of a punch, you can continue driving without having to change the tire — which could be enough to get you home or to a garage. Also, reduce the dangers of a potentially dangerous tire blowout due to their unique construction.

Normal tire & Run-flat tires

HISTORY

The RFT is more than the 30-year old concept, but the technology can be traced back to 1892 when the first patent was officially registered and the Run-flat tires was introduced in the 1930s. The first projects were far from being efficient, so only a few prototype vehicles got equipped, at that time, with such a tire. So, they are being used since then, but run-flat tires (RFT) are now more popular than ever because of their excellent benefits.

How do they work?

How do they work? Unlike regular tires that use air to hold up your car, the sidewalls of RFT are reinforced with rubber inserts. This reinforced sidewall structure of tires allows the tire to continue to support the vehicle’s weight in the event of a puncture or damage.

With these reinforced sides, the tires carry the car’s weight in the case of a flat and prevent the rim of the wheel from touching the road.

How do they work?

There are two primary types of run-flat tire systems: the self-supporting system and the support ring system.

1.Self Supporting System:

In most self-supporting RFT systems, the tire features reinforced sidewall construction that will continue supporting the vehicle in the event of air loss. This allows the driver to keep on driving but at a specific reduced speed.

2.Support Ring System:

Employ a ridged rubber ring or another structure to support the vehicle’s weight in an air loss condition. This ring supports the car and helps it keep on moving even in the worst conditions.

Support Ring System

The Benefits of Run-Flat Tires

• Safety: More control in the event of a sudden loss of tire pressure. Run Flat tires provide more control over your car than other common tires, even if they are entirely out of air. This factor will protect you from losing control and resulting in an accident.
• Options: The ability to drive to your local repair shop after a flat. This means that you can drive your car to a safe place where you can change the tire without any threat.
• Convenience: No need to carry a spare or change a tire on the side of the road. This factor will protect you from resulting in an accident.

The Disadvantages of Run-Flat Tire Technology

• Comfort: There can be diminished ride quality with the stiffer sidewall.
• Noise: Some RFT create more road noise inside the vehicle.
• Cost: Typically, a Run-flat tires price is a little higher than regular tires.
• Availability: Some specific sizes and tread options may not be readily available. Because RFT aren’t a big-selling tire, drivers shouldn’t expect to roll into just any tire shop and buy them.
• Reduced fuel economy: All that technology is heavy, and weightier Run-flat tires can reduce your fuel economy by 1-2%.

Life of Run Flat Tires:

The life of a Run-flat tires is almost the same as the conventional tires. This is because the material used in these tires is the same. Both are made up of rubber, but their difference is the design, structure, and construction.

What is Tire Tread?

The life of the RFT also depends on different factors, such as care and maintenance. It is recommended to carry out regular visual checks for damage alongside monitoring pressure and tread depth to extend tire longevity.

Bottom line:

Is run-flat technology worth it?

Like all other things in this world, Run-flat tires also have pros and cons. Consumers should consider the pros and cons of RFT when they’re looking at a new car or replacing their existing tires. Despite the downsides, many manufacturers and drivers say the safety and convenience of running flats outweigh the cost and replacement woes. And the fact is, as technology increases, so do RFT usability. These are the perfect options if you have to travel a long distance daily. Especially if you pass from lonely places where there are no garages or replacement centers in-between, they will provide you with a better driving experience because you will not have to worry about punctures or loss of air pressure.

Ultimately, Take the time to read customer reviews and know what tires come standard on a car before buying.